BRUSSELS: NATO on Monday confirmed that North Korean troops have been sent to help Russia in its almost three-year war against Ukraine and said some have already been deployed in Russia’s Kursk border region, where Russia has been struggling to push back a Ukrainian incursion.
“Today, I can confirm that North Korean troops have been sent to Russia, and that North Korean military units have been deployed to the Kursk region,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters.
Rutte said the move represents “a significant escalation” in North Korea’s involvement in the conflict and marks “a dangerous expansion of Russia’s war.”
Adding thousands of North Korean soldiers to Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II will pile more pressure on Ukraine’s weary and overstretched army. It will also stoke geopolitical tensions in the Korean Peninsula and the wider Indo-Pacific region, including Japan and Australia, Western officials say.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is keen to reshape global power dynamics. He sought to build a counterbalance to Western influence with a summit of BRICS countries, including the leaders of China and India, in Russia last week. He has sought direct help for the war from Iran, which has supplied drones, and North Korea, which has shipped large amounts of ammunition, according to Western governments.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov shrugged off Rutte’s comments and noted that Pyongyang and Moscow signed a joint security pact last June. He stopped short of confirming North Korean soldiers were in Russia.
Lavrov claimed that Western military instructors already have been covertly deployed to Ukraine to help its military use long-range weapons provided by Western partners.
“Western military personnel long have been working in Ukraine,” Lavrov said after a meeting with the Kuwaiti foreign minister in Moscow.
Ukraine, whose defenses are under severe Russian pressure in its eastern Donetsk region, could get more bleak news from next week’s US presidential election. A Donald Trump victory could see key US military help dwindle.
In Moscow, the Defense Ministry announced Monday that Russian troops have captured the Donetsk village of Tsukuryne — the latest settlement to succumb to the slow-moving Russian onslaught.
Rutte spoke in Brussels after a high-level South Korean delegation, including top intelligence and military officials as well as senior diplomats, briefed the alliance’s 32 national ambassadors at NATO headquarters.
Rutte said NATO is “actively consulting within the alliance, with Ukraine, and with our Indo-Pacific partners,” on developments. He said he was due to talk soon with South Korea’s president and Ukraine’s defense minister.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely,” he said. He did not take questions after the statement.
The South Koreans showed no evidence of North Korean troops in Kursk, according to European officials who were present for the 90-minute exchange and spoke to The Associated Press about the security briefing on condition of anonymity.
It’s unclear how or when NATO allies might respond to the North Korean involvement. They could, for example, lift restrictions that prevent Ukraine from using Western-supplied weapons for long-range strikes on Russian soil.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, citing intelligence reports, claimed last Friday that North Korean troops would be on the battlefield within days.
He previously said his government had information that some 10,000 troops from North Korea were being readied to join Russian forces fighting against his country.
Days before Zelensky spoke, American and South Korean officials said there was evidence North Korea had dispatched troops to Russia.
The US said around 3,000 North Korean troops had been deployed to Russia for training.
NATO confirms that North Korea has sent troops to join Russia’s war in Ukraine
NATO confirms that North Korea has sent troops to join Russia’s war in Ukraine
United Bank of Africa plans to operate in Saudi Arabia, chairman says
RIYADH: United Bank for Africa Group is set to open its first presence in Saudi Arabia early next year, pending regulatory approval from the Kingdom, according to its chairman
Speaking to Arab News at the FII New Africa Summit in Riyadh, Tony Elumelu highlighted that they are exploring business opportunities within the Kingdom.
UBA operates 24 branches across multiple continents and countries, including the US, Europe, and Dubai, but establishing a presence in Saudi Arabia will further consolidate economic ties between the Kingdom and Africa.
“We are trying to open a bank in Saudi Arabia. We have applied to the Central Bank of Saudi Arabia, and we hope that will be successful soon. So that we can be the only first African bank with a presence in Saudi Arabia,” Elumelu said.
He continued: “You might ask me: ‘Why am I interested in having United Bank of Africa operate in Saudi Arabia?’ Because of the trade opportunities, because of investment opportunities, because we like what is happening in Saudi Arabia.”
The chairman underlined that this is an opportune time for the private sector to foster more robust trade and stronger investment ties between the Kingdom and Africa.
The frequent visits and business delegations between Saudi Arabia and the continent demonstrates a strong commitment to strengthening these connections.
Elumelu highlighted the growing interest from the Kingdom and its Public Investment Fund in investing in Africa, and he believes they see the continent’s infrastructure development as a promising opportunity.
He reflected on how the Kingdom’s authorities are working to connect Saudi investors eager to capitalize on the continent’s potential and facilitate the necessary financing for development with African projects.
“I listened to your finance minister who said there’s times they will feel that they are Africans. It was so exciting to hear him say that,” Elumelu said.
He added: “Let’s put resources together and bring to fruition those projects that we see on the African continent that have high returns, high return potential, as well as catalytic impact in helping to develop Africa.”
Elumelu went on to say: “Today’s world, people are not interested in profit taking. People want to make a profit at the same time; if making that profit can help to improve lives, they are happy to do so.”
The chairman concluded the interview by expressing his wish for a stronger economic relationship with Saudi Arabia.
“The bilateral relationship is growing. There’s room for significant improvement. But I look beyond today’s levels. I want to see deeper outcomes of that partnership, and that is why I keep talking about investment in infrastructure in Africa,” he said.
Riyadh hosts Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum
- Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi says Saudi Arabia’s CSR is ‘an inspiring story of transformation, empowerment’
- Kingdom’s global social responsibility ranking improved from 41st in 2021 to 16th in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook
RIYADH: The first Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum launched in Riyadh on Monday, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and boasting the theme “From Commitment to Impact.”
Minister Ahmad Al-Rajhi said the forum aimed to be a global platform for dialogue on social responsibility, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering private sector involvement in sustainable development to establish a global model for public-private partnerships.
Al-Rajhi spoke of the evolution of social responsibility, emphasizing innovative practices, sustainable digitization, technology, and circular economy integration.
He also looked at the development of individuals and communities in a balanced manner with their environment, and how the private sector has become important in making the world a better place today.
Al-Rajhi emphasized that the Kingdom’s achievements in social responsibility were “an inspiring story of transformation and empowerment,” as the Kingdom paid attention to empowering social responsibility and setting it as a strategic goal in Saudi Vision 2030, which aimed to “enhance companies’ fulfillment of social responsibility.”
Saudi Arabia has implemented tools for corporate social responsibility, including a Social Responsibility Committee, a national platform for transparency, Social Responsibility Day on March 23, and a national social responsibility index.
Al-Rajhi said that these efforts had led to a notable rise in corporate contributions to social spending, which grew from 1.19 percent in 2019 to 4.15 percent by the end of 2023, with active programs rising from 30 percent to 65 percent among major companies.
The Kingdom’s global social responsibility ranking improved from 41st in 2021 to 16th in the 2024 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, and aims at being among the top countries by 2030.
The forum brings together leaders from various sectors to discuss growth opportunities, promote innovation, foster partnerships, and advance international collaboration in social responsibility.
Pakistan’s Punjab alters school hours as severe smog threatens health of students
- The provincial capital of Lahore near the border with India regularly registers among world’s most polluted cities
- Smog is particularly bad in winter due to low-grade fuel from factories, vehicles in the low-lying city of 14 million
ISLAMABAD: Authorities in the eastern Pakistani province of Punjab have altered timings for all public and private schools as prevailing smog continues to threaten lives in the country’s most populous province.
The Punjab Environmental Protection Authority (PEPA) this week issued a notification, detailing the adjusted timings and additional precautionary measures.
Effective from Oct. 28 till Jan. 31, schools in the province will begin at 8:45am, while morning assemblies will be held indoors to reduce students’ exposure to hazardous air.
The decision to alter school timings and suspend outdoor activities aims to minimize exposure to hazardous air quality, according to the provincial authorities.
“In the morning, the smog is more intense. Keeping this in mind, the government has wisely taken measures to prioritize children’s health by rescheduling school timings” Sarah Ather, principal of SAINT ANDREWS CHURCH CATHEDRAL SCHOOL SYSTEM, told Reuters.
“This is a good initiative by the government to provide safer facilities for children.”
Smog is particularly bad in winter as a result of low-grade fuel from factories and vehicles in the low-lying megacity of 14 million, where denser cold air traps emissions at ground level. Seasonal crop burn-off by farmers on the outskirts of Lahore is also a major contributing factor.
Lahore, the provincial capital, topped the global pollution charts on Monday, earning the dire distinction of the world’s most polluted city, when the air quality index (AQI) hit 507 at around 10am local time (0500 GMT), with the Switzerland-based air quality watchdog IQAir categorizing the air quality as “hazardous.”
But some parents say the change in school hours won’t reduce smog and they will have to readjust their schedules for transportation of children.
“The change in school hours hasn’t reduced the smog. It remains a constant issue,” said Mohammad Shahbaz.
“The revised timing has only caused disturbance in public schedules. Earlier, schools ran from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, but now children return home at 3:00 pm, creating logistical challenges for parents.”
Breathing the toxic air has catastrophic health consequences, with the World Health Organization saying strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases could be triggered due to prolonged exposure.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly 600 million children in South Asia are exposed to high levels of air pollution.
Jazani jasmine oil: sweet scent of success
- Jasmine is a fragrant flower with cultural significance and a symbolic meaning of happiness and joy
- Groundbreaking achievement is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market for aromatic oils
RIYADH: The Jazan Agricultural Research Center, in collaboration with the Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association and Jazan University, has extracted oil from the region’s renowned jasmine flowers, a significant breakthrough for the Kingdom’s aromatic oils industry, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
Jasmine is a fragrant flower with cultural significance and a symbolic meaning of happiness and joy. It is often featured in local poetry, songs and folklore, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
This groundbreaking achievement is expected to elevate Saudi Arabia’s position in the global market for aromatic oils and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, the ministry said.
The ministry detailed the process involved in extracting the precious oil — jasmine flowers were carefully soaked in a hexane solution for 24 hours before being subjected to advanced extraction techniques.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of unique aromatic compounds, notably phenethyl alcohol, a key component in renowned rose oils such as those of Taif and Istanbul.
A key differentiator of Jazani jasmine oil is its significantly lower vinyl acetate content, a compound with restricted international use due to health concerns, the SPA report explained. This superior quality positions the Saudi product as a compelling alternative to Indian and Egyptian jasmine oils.
The extraction of jasmine oil opens new avenues for its application in the food and fragrance industries. This milestone aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 objective to promote economic diversification and agricultural innovation.
Jazan has more than 1,000 jasmine farms, with about 500,000 jasmine trees producing about 600 tonnes of flowers each year.
Jasmine plants are commonly used to decorate homes, a tradition passed down through generations, with many women in Jazan growing them in their gardens.
Farmers carefully cultivate jasmine, starting with cuttings in the spring when it is cooler. These cuttings are nurtured in wooden frames. Jasmine can grow up to three meters tall, with evergreen leaves and fragrant white flowers.
There are various types of jasmine, each with unique characteristics. Some are known for their large buds and distinctive colours, while others feature long, pure white buds and strong fragrances.
Furthermore, efforts to enhance jasmine cultivation and the production of other aromatic plants are seen as significant steps toward boosting agricultural tourism, creating job opportunities for local youth, and establishing the region as a center for high-quality aromatic products.
The Jasmine and Aromatic Plants Association was established in 2022 to support farmers. Its goals are to help develop products, tackle farmers’ challenges, provide resources and organize festivals.
The ministry has shown strong interest in cultivating jasmine in the region, SPA noted. It aims to shift the industry from traditional cultivation and marketing to manufacturing and export — the area’s fertile soil and favourable climate offer ideal conditions for growing jasmine.
The profits from jasmine and aromatic plants have inspired many young people in the region to create online platforms and markets to promote their products both locally and internationally, improving accessibility.
Closing Bell: Saudi main index slips to close at 12,053
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Monday, losing 15.82 points, or 0.13 percent, to close at 12,053.15.
The total trading value of the benchmark index was SR5.42 billion ($1.44 billion), as 106 stocks advanced, while 111 retreated.
The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased by 4.31 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 1,513.26.
The Kingdom’s parallel market, Nomu, declined by 114.24 points, or 0.42 percent, to close at 26,802.7. This comes as 31 stocks advanced, while 34 retreated.
The best-performing stock of the day was Red Sea International Co., with its share price surging by 8.32 percent to SR70.30.
Other top performers included Zamil Industrial Investment Co., which saw its share price rise by 5.59 percent to SR27.40, and Arabian Contracting Services Co., which saw a 4.33 percent increase to SR178.4.
Etihad Etisalat Co., also known as Mobily, and Abdulmohsen Alhokair Group for Tourism and Development also saw a positive change at 3.65 percent and 3.6 percent to SR54 and SR2.88, respectively.
The worst performer of the day was Al-Baha Investment and Development Co., whose share price fell by 7.69 percent to SR0.24.
Saudi Manpower Solutions Co. and Nama Chemicals Co., also saw declines, with their shares dropping by 3.03 percent and 3.02 percent to SR8.31 and SR25.7, respectively.
Miahona Co. and MBC Group also saw negative change today at 2.99 percent and 2.84 percent to SR27.55 and SR41.1, respectively.
On the announcements front, Saudi Ceramic Co. reported its interim financial results for the nine months ending Sept. 30, with a net profit of SR10.78 million, a recovery from a SR120.56 million loss in the same period last year.
The improvement was attributed to increased sales that bolstered gross profit, along with the absence of a SR165 million provision for fire-related losses recorded last year. The company’s stock closed at SR31.75, up by 0.79 percent.
Balady Poultry Co. announced a net profit of SR99.98 million for the nine-month period ending Sept. 30, marking a 55.72 percent increase from the previous year.
According to the statement, the increase was linked to a rise in production from 156,000 to 192,000 birds during this period. The stock closed the session at SR389, reflecting a 0.92 percent decline.
The National Co. for Glass Industries reported net profits of SR74.8 million for the same period, a 244.7 percent increase year over year.
The growth is largely due to increased profit contributions from joint ventures in the float glass sector, notably from The Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Co. Ltd., which is now fully operational. The company’s shares ended the session at SR55.2, a rise of 2.79 percent.
